Which type of medication is effective in stopping cough?

Antitussives are medications specifically designed to suppress coughing. They work on the cough reflex pathways in the brain, effectively reducing the urge to cough. This is particularly beneficial for dry coughs that do not produce mucus, allowing patients to find relief without aggravating their throat or respiratory system further.

Expectorants, on the other hand, are meant to help clear mucus from the airways by making the phlegm thinner and easier to expel, not to stop the cough itself. Antihistamines primarily address allergy symptoms, including runny noses and sneezing, but they do not directly affect the cough reflex. Analgesics are pain relievers and do not have any role in managing coughs. Therefore, when it comes to directly alleviating coughing, antitussives are the most effective choice.